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NAC
Accredited
Accredited
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Low
Student-to-Teacher
Ratio
Student-to-Teacher
Ratio
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Highly Trained
Educators
Educators
Learning Centers
Five Reasons Parents Choose Our Learning Centers
Child Care of Southwest Florida’s five early learning centers are each unique. However, they are united by our mission to strengthen and enhance the lives of children and families.
Here are the top five reasons parents choose our learning centers:
4
Play-Based
Creative
Curriculum
Creative
Curriculum
5
Nutritious Meals (breakfast, lunch,
and afternoon
snack)
and afternoon
snack)
Building Bright Futures
All our locations provide a safe, engaging environment where children can learn, play, and grow each day. Families benefit from a school-based setting that supports early development, builds confidence, and creates a seamless transition into the classroom—giving children a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
The Five Star Advantage
Recognized for Excellence by the Early Learning Coalition
The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida has awarded Child Care of Southwest Florida with a five-star rating for delivering an exceptional learning experience within the local community.
Southwest Florida Stars is a voluntary Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) used to improve and communicate the level of quality in early childhood programs. The rating of five stars indicates the highest quality in child care, and requires a rigorous application process that includes site visits and off-site data collection.
Child care facilities that participate in Southwest Florida Stars:
Provide safe and welcoming environment
Understand that learning begins at birth
Offer a variety of appropriate activities through which children learn and grow
Engage children in fun, “hands-on” learning experiences
Involve parents and families as their child’s first teacher
Are dedicated to offering the best in quality child care
Evaluate their program on an ongoing basis
Are committed to program improvement
Are knowledgeable about early child education best practices
Learn More and Enroll
- Harns Marsh Middle School
- San Carlos Elementary School
- Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School
- Pelican Elementary School
- Children’s Garden of LaBelle
- The Children’s Learning Center
- The Community Children’s Center
- G. Weaver Hipps Early Learning Center
- Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center
- P.A. Geraci Child Development Center
Joseph H. Messina
Children’s Center
4650 Fowler Street
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Nikiah Smith
239-278-1148
P.A. Geraci Child Development Center
3713 Canal Street
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Lateasha Green
239-337-4995
The Children’s
Learning Center
37 Barkley Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Nicole Beougher
239-267-1136
The Community
Children’s Center
1260 Wings Way
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Megan Greeley-Gibson
239-369-2220
G. Weaver Hipps Early Learning Center
1270 Taylor Lane Extension
Lehigh Acres, Fl 33936
Yaima Ramirez
239-600-6314 Ext. 179
Pelican Elementary
Early Learning Center
Early Learning Center
3525 SW 3rd Avenue
Cape Coral, FL 33914
Yolanda Vargas
239-406-2660
San Carlos Park
Early Learning Center
17282 Lee Road
Fort Myers, FL 33967
Yeni Rodriguez Valdez
239-497-8834
Children’s Garden of LaBelle
The Children’s Garden of LaBelle provides a full-day early learning program for children between the ages of one and five. A close-knit family devoted to quality, we are proud to maintain the smallest student-to-teacher ratio of all our child care centers. Y se habla español!
- School Readiness Vouchers
- Nutritious meals and snacks through the USDA Food Program
- The only Platinum-Level, Asthma-Friendly Child Care Center in LaBelle, as awarded by the Florida Asthma Coalition
- Scholarships available
Location
88 S. Main St., LaBelle, FL 33935
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks through 5 years old
License Number: C20HE0022
863-675-3311
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“It is my hope that every child in my care will develop good self-esteem and independence, so that they become helpful, healthy members of our community.”
Yadira Lorenzo
Center Director
Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center
The Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center provides parents with a safe, nurturing environment for their little ones. Children are encouraged to participate in the learning process to practice good observation skills and grow their love for learning. The center’s community garden produces fresh vegetables, which is a great learning opportunity to teach young minds about nutrition, healthy food, teamwork, and sustainability. We also offer free VPK child care, available both before and after school.
Location:
4650 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Age: 6 weeks to 8 years
License Number: C20LE9916 239-278-1148
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The Center Director’s Email: nikiahs@ccswfl.org
Enrollment Incentives:
Registration fee waived
Minimal weekly parent fees
Scholarships available
Nikiah Smith
Center Director
With 28 years of experience in early childhood education, I’ve worked with children of all ages and bring a deep commitment to creating nurturing, engaging environments. I began volunteering in childcare at 15 and officially started my career at 16. While I explored other paths—including earning a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and managing teams at Walgreens and Amazon—my passion has always been in early learning. I hold a CDA, Director’s Credential, CPR/First Aid certification, and 45 DCF training hours. Outside the classroom, I enjoy family time, travel, and photography through my business, UniQ’ Piks by Nik.
P.A. Geraci Child Development Center
The P.A. Geraci Child Development Center is uncompromising when it comes to quality. Located in the Dunbar area of Fort Myers, the P.A. Geraci Child Development Center offers one of the best early learning programs in the area. Your child is the priority, and we have fun along the way. Children are given every opportunity to reach their greatest potential by engaging in play-based learning activities that reflect their interests, stimulate their imaginations, and strengthen their social, academic, language, problem-solving, and motor skills.
Location:
3713 Canal Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks to 8 years
License Number: C20LE9922 239-337-4995
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Enrollment Incentives:
Registration fee waived
Minimal weekly parent fees
Scholarships available
“Hello! My name is Lateasha Green. I have been with CCSWFL from 2010-2017 and recently returned to my previous position of Director of P.A Geraci Child Development. I have been in the childcare field for over 20 years. I have my CDA and my Directors Credentials. I have two amazing sons, Jordan and Jaylen.”
Lateasha Green
Center Director
(239) 848-0829
The Children’s Learning Center
A family-oriented operation, The Children’s Learning Center offers a high- quality early education, and our teachers are passionate about your children’s growth and development into successful adults. We are a Certified Nature- Explore® Classroom. Plus, the center’s recent move to Barkley Circle in Fort Myers means your child will be enjoying a secure, home-like space complete with an impressive outdoor playground.
Location:
37 Barkley Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Age: 6 weeks to 8 years
License Number: C20LE0211 239-267-1136
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“With nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Nicole is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children, families, and teachers can thrive. She began her career as a toddler teacher and has worked with children of all ages, serving as a preschool teacher, VPK teacher, office assistant, and now Center Director. Nicole holds her Director Credential, is CPR/First Aid certified, and is committed to building strong relationships with families while supporting a high-quality early learning program. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, crafting, Disney, and spending time with her husband and two sons.”
Nicole Beougher
Center Director
The Community Children’s Center
At The Community Children’s Center, we believe an early education is the foundation for a strong sense of community. The success of each child’s learning experience is dependent upon the relationship between staff, family, and children – we are dedicated to providing a safe and educational environment that fosters our children’s growth for a lifetime of learning.
Location
1260 Wings Way, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks through 8 years old
License Number: C20LE6635 239-369-2220
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“I lead an amazing team of teachers and staff who are as dedicated as I am to providing a ‘home away from home’ and a fun environment for everyone. It has been
a pleasure to work with the children and families in our community, and as a team we are committed to providing a high-quality early childhood program to all families we serve.”
Megan Greeley-Gibson
Center Director
megangg@ccswfl.org
G. Weaver Hipps Early Learning Center
The G. Weaver Hipps Early Learning Center is a collaborative community partnership between the School District of Lee County, the Early Learning Coalition, and Child Care of SWFL to provide daycare and early childhood education in Lehigh Acres. The center is located within G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School, and Child Care of SWFL operates two classrooms within the center. Priority enrollment is given to school staff, then parents of children at G. Weaver Hipps Elementary, and then to the community. At Child Care of SWFL, we are dedicated to providing a safe and educational environment that fosters children’s growth for a lifetime of learning.
Location:
1270 Taylor Lane Extension, Lehigh Acres, Fl 33936
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
License Number: C20LE0288 (239) 600-6314 Ext. 179
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“I’m a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a Director’s Credential, and certification as a CLASS observer. I lead my team at GWH with passion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to individualized learning, helping every child thrive in a nurturing, high-quality environment.”
Yaima Ramirez
Center Director
(239) 600-6314 Ext. 179
“…Coming soon!”
Harns Marsh Middle School
The Harns Marsh Middle Early Learning Center is a collaborative community partnership between the School District of Lee County, the Early Learning Coalition, and Child Care of SWFL to provide childcare and early learning in Lehigh Acres. The center is located within Harns Marsh Middle School, and Child Care of SWFL operates three classrooms within the center. Priority enrollment is given to school staff, then parents of children at Harns Marsh Middle, and then to the community. At Child Care of SWFL, we are dedicated to providing a safe and educational environment that fosters children’s growth for a lifetime of learning.
Location:
1820 Unice Ave. N., Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
License Number: C20LE0323
News from Harns Marsh Middle School
With 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Karol is dedicated to creating supportive, engaging environments where children can learn and thrive. Originally from Puerto Rico, she holds a Director’s Credential and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and firmly believes that a strong early learning foundation sets children up for lifelong success.
Karol enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, staying organized, and shopping in her free time.
Karol Irizarry
Center Director
(239) 497-8836
Ray V. Pottorf Early Learning Center
The Ray V Pottorf Early Learning Center is a collaborative community partnership between the School District of Lee County, the Early Learning Coalition, and Child Care of SWFL to provide childcare and early learning in Fort Myers. The center is located within Ray V Pottorf Elementary School, and Child Care of SWFL operates three classrooms within the center. Priority enrollment is given to school staff, then parents of children at Ray V Pottorf Elementary, and then to the community. At Child Care of SWFL, we are dedicated to providing a safe and educational environment that fosters children’s growth for a lifetime of learning.
Location:
4600 Challenger Blvd., Ft Myers, FL 33966
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Age: 6 weeks to 5 years
License Number: C20LE0322 239-286-5349
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News from Ray V. Pottorf Early Learning Center
With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Michele is dedicated to creating supportive, high-quality environments where children, families, and teachers can thrive. Originally from upstate New York, she holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and brings strong experience in center operations, staff development, curriculum support, and family partnerships.
Michele enjoys having adventures with her husband, two sons, and two grandsons in her free time.
Pelican Elementary Early Learning Center
The Pelican Elementary Early Learning Center is a collaborative community partnership between the School District of Lee County, the Early Learning Coalition, and Child Care of SWFL to provide childcare and early learning in Cape Coral. The center is located within Pelican Elementary School, and Child Care of SWFL operates three classrooms within the center. Priority enrollment is given to school staff, then parents of children at Pelican Elementary, and then to the community. At Child Care of SWFL, we are dedicated to providing a safe and educational environment that fosters children’s growth for a lifetime of learning.
Location
3525 SW 3rd Avenue, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks through 5 years old
License Number: C20LE0322 239-406-2660
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News from The Pelican Elementary Early Learning Center
“I joined Child Care of Southwest Florida in 2007. I am passionate about early childhood development and learning, with more than three decades of experience working for established child care centers.”
Yolanda Vargas
Center Director
San Carlos Park Early Learning Center
The San Carlos Park Early Learning Center is a collaborative community partnership between the School District of Lee County, the Early Learning Coalition, and Child Care of SWFL to provide childcare and early learning in San Carlos. The center is located within San Carlos Park Elementary School, and Child Care of SWFL operates three classrooms within the center. Priority enrollment is given to school staff, then parents of children at San Carlos Elementary, and then to the community. At Child Care of SWFL, we are dedicated to providing a safe and educational environment that fosters children’s growth for a lifetime of learning.
Location:
17282 Lee Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
License Number: C20LE0324 (239) 497-8834
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With eight years of experience in early childhood education, Yeni brings a strong background in teaching, assistant leadership, and center management. Originally from Cuba, she is passionate about creating environments where children can build independence, develop social–emotional skills, and gain the foundation they need for future school success.
Outside of work, Yeni loves spending time outdoors with her children and enjoys playing games together as a family.
Bonita Springs Early Learning Center
Location:
10141 W. Terry Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
License Number: C20LE0325 239-327-3738
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Kimberly Molloy
Center Director
(239) 327-3738
I’ve been with CCSWFL since 1999, starting as a before- and after-school teacher and growing into my current role as Child Development Center and Education Program Manager. I hold an A.S. in Early Childhood Education, a B.S. in ECE Leadership (Summa Cum Laude), and certifications as a CLASS observer, CDA PD specialist, and VPK-endorsed Director. A Lee County native, I enjoy photography, camping, and theme parks—and I’m especially proud of my daughter Kaylee, a college student with a passion for dance and theatre.
San Carlos Park Early Learning Center
The San Carlos Park Early Learning Center is a collaborative community partnership between the School District of Lee County, the Early Learning Coalition, and Child Care of SWFL to provide childcare and early learning in San Carlos. The center is located within San Carlos Park Elementary School, and Child Care of SWFL operates three classrooms within the center. Priority enrollment is given to school staff, then parents of children at San Carlos Elementary, and then to the community. At Child Care of SWFL, we are dedicated to providing a safe and educational environment that fosters children’s growth for a lifetime of learning.
Location:
17282 Lee Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
License Number: C20LE0324 (239) 497-8834
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With eight years of experience in early childhood education, Yeni brings a strong background in teaching, assistant leadership, and center management. Originally from Cuba, she is passionate about creating environments where children can build independence, develop social–emotional skills, and gain the foundation they need for future school success.
Outside of work, Yeni loves spending time outdoors with her children and enjoys playing games together as a family.
